Citywide Show Report-Alexi Paraschos, Jacob Cuff and Battle Cry Highway

Once more, the All Asia Bar was the sight of an afternoon of great local tunes.



Alexi Paraschos was the first up to bat. He brings a unique energy, whether he was playing his more upbeat tunes or some laidback melodies, he drew the crowd in for the entire set.























Jacob Cuff and the Ones Who Got Away were a late addition to the lineup. Their folk rock tunes had a memorable beat, and I was impressed they were willing making the trip all the way from Maine, but I'm damned glad they did!



































Finally, Battle Cry Highway, an old favorite, took the stage to end the show with a bang! An old-school rock band with great rhythm!

Alexi Paraschos-Casual talent

It's pretty rare when I can look at a musician and say, with no hesitation, that they "have it." I'm not sure what that "it" is-it could be a unique voice that captures the audience each and every time, or maybe an incredible writing skill. Maybe they're just accomplished hypnotists....

Whatever, Alexi Paraschos has it. I saw him on stage at a show I booked at the All Asia. I had seen a couple videos of his singing, and was thoroughly impressed, but what I saw online was nothing compared to the real thing.

We got a chance to talk before the show. Like most musicians, Alexi's got a laid-back attitude, and he doesn't put on heirs despite the fact that he has a talent I'd give my eyeteeth for. He doesn't take himself to seriously, and he's at home on the stage. He showed me his new idea for marketing his music-selling a 64 gig flash drive with music and photos. A pretty good idea if there every was one.

Alexi's music shifts from fast-paced beats to much slower songs that touch the listener, and it was with regret that I heard him announce his final performance for the show. Though he's got talent to spare, he's so casual and friendly that it's hard to feel intimidated by it. Rather, you feel like you're part of the performance, and it's one I hope to see soon.

Find more information and music here.

John Eye video interview

A few months back, John Eye, who's in the final stages of releasing his "Cannonicus 3.14" album, dropped by the Citywide Blackout studios for an interview, which was recorded on video. Here are the links to the final copy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pxwUVUFLZQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UcgMreUX2U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceCv32sabBI

Citywide Show Report-Sierra and Andrew, Joakim Brecha, Jill Goldberg

Though the crowd was small, the energy was high at the All Asia on Wednesday, Aug. 18. Sierra and Andrew, who I first saw at Great Scott, poured the emotion from themselves into every song, capturing the audience from the word go.

Joakim Brecha are a new group to me, but with a great jazz style that fit well with the show. Some of the music carries a Swedish influence, and while I'm not sure what that means, I definitely dug it.

Jill Goldberg, on the verge of releasing her second album, finished the evening on a strong note (haha, all laugh). Backed by her band, her rock/folk tunes show she'll go far as a musician.

Grownup Noise EP review

The Lizard Lounge was packed for the Grownup Noise's CD release show last Saturday, so much so that one of my friends had to wait outside, as the club was filled to capacity. Certainly a good sign for this fivesome as they continue their summer/fall tour.

But as they say, 1 million fans can't be wrong. And with music this good, I wouldn't be surprised if the band's fanbase was in the seven figures.

The new album from the Grownup Noise, "Shall We?" gives another taste of the band's laid-back rock style. What I like about this CD is that it's busy-from the drums to the cello to the keyboard, there's a lot happening here, and you find yourself listening to this five-song album over and over to catch it all. It may not rupture my eardrums, but neither does it put me to sleep. Quite the opposite, actually. It's perfect for my long drive to work in the morning.

Vocalist and spokesperson for the big n' tall outlets Paul Hansen once more lends his voice to the music. He's got a relaxing tone, the kind that cuts through all the chatter and babble of the world around you, sort of the reverse of a death metal singer. As I looked around the club during the show, I found not a soul was looking at their cell phone or texting their friends.

I've already run this CD through my player a dozen times, but what the hell. Let's listen again, shall we?
For tour schedules, links to Facebook and MySpace pages or to purchase a CD, visit www.thegrownupnoise.com

Lineup
Paul Hansen: guitar/ vocals
Adam Sankowski: bass/ vocals/ stuff
Katie Franich: cello, other nice sounding stuff, moral support
Todd Marsten: Keys, Accordion, Beatboxing
Aine Fujioka: Drums, percussion
Extended Drummer Family: Kyle Crane, Attis Clopton

Aug. shows

Been busy as hell here at Citywide Blackout! Things are always happening, and we're passing the savings on to you....okay, no savings, we're just passing on some news.

And the news is we have four great shows booked for August. Here are the links to the Facebook listings we've put together.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=114588101925781

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=134979413207930

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=141985815819222

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=126787254032971

These are shows not to be missed! Come on down and enjoy some great local music.